This report shows that building strong public services in developing countries is at the heart of making poverty history. Doing this could transform the lives of millions of people - and, with political leadership, is well within the grasp of our generation.

Governments must take responsibility for providing essential services that are well staffed, affordable for even the poorest people, and accessible to all. Civil society organisations and private companies can make important contributions, but they must be integrated into strong public systems. International donors are crucial partners, but too often they block progress by failing to deliver debt relief and predictable aid that supports public systems, or push private sector solutions that do not benefit poor people.